Bi-Steel protects G20 summit

09 Apr 2009

This started with the permanent Bi-Steel wall system outside the main terminal building at the Airport (installed to protect against vehicle bomb attack) followed by temporary Bi-Steel perimeter protection measures around the US Ambassador’s residence in Regent’s Park (where the President was staying) and at the Summit venue, the ExCel conference centre in London Docklands.

In addition, visits to Number 10 Downing Street took place behind protective measures currently installed in Whitehall, which incorporate the Bi-Steel bollard system, as well as Bi-Steel walls and balustrades disguised under traditional Portland stone.

When Corus Bi-Steel received an order from Sussex Police for a major expansion to the existing National Barrier Asset (NBA) - a £1 million contract - the race was on to produce the required Bi-Steel redeployable anti-attack vehicle barriers in time for use at the G20 Summit in London. This involved the design, testing and manufacture of several new perimeter protection products to PAS 68:2007* specifications - all within a three-month window. These included the new Quick Link Lite Bi-Steel barrier system for rapid deployment and the innovative Arrestor wire rope system (developed in collaboration with Bristorm) for the protection of large perimeters.

Previous experience of large-scale perimeter protection projects meant Corus Bi-Steel was well equipped to meet the tight deadline, and implementation of the G20 security measures began on time the weekend before the Summit. Existing heavy-duty NBA Bi-Steel barriers, gates and portals were installed around the ExCel Centre for the Summit itself.

Meanwhile, in Regent’s Park Bi-Steel’s rapidly deployable Quick Link Lite units and over 2½ km of the new Arrestor wire rope, accompanied by 75 Bi-Steel barge-shaped barriers, were arranged around the US Ambassador’s residence. Bi-Steel pedestrian portals were positioned to allow the free flow of pedestrians where required through the perimeter of barriers, whilst Bi-Steel barges and swing gates protected the main entrance.

According to Tony Duffell, National Barrier Asset Manager, Sussex Police, “This has been one of the most high profile and challenging security projects we have worked on and I am pleased to confirm a successful outcome. Our colleagues at Corus Bi-Steel pulled out all the stops to design, test and manufacture the new units we needed for this event within a very tight timeframe. The Company’s staff have proven to be highly knowledgeable and helpful - constantly striving to develop and refine their products, whilst providing the highest levels of service and support.

Jurek Tollockzo, General Manager, Corus Bi-Steel concludes, “This event was an excellent showcase for our full range of Bi-Steel perimeter protection products and clearly demonstrated the benefits of the new Arrestor wire rope system as a turnkey security solution for temporary venues and events.”

For more information on the full range of Bi-Steel redeployable vehicle barriers and other perimeter security solutions call us on 01344 751670 or email bi-steel@corusgroup.com

*PAS 68:2007: specification for vehicle security barriers
This Publicly Available Specification (PAS) has been prepared to address the needs of organisations who wish to have assurance that vehicle security barriers will provide the level of impact resistance that they seek.